The Stem Cell Podcast

Guest: We bring on writer and researcher Dr. Aubrey de Grey to discuss his work on anti-aging.  We talk with Dr. de Grey on his latest findings and his ultimate goal of eliminating aging so we call can one day celebrate our 1000th birthday. Resources and Links Sex-Specific Mechanisms of Stress Susceptibility – According to this article, stress-related mental illnesses are twice as prevalent in women as in men. Global Divergence of the Human Follicle Mite Demodex folliculorum: Persistent Associations between Host Ancestry and Mite Lineages – Researchers found that hosts with different regional ancestries harbor distinct lineages of mites and that these associations can persist despite generations spent in a new geographic region. Pain Produces Memory Gain – This article reveals that physical pain can make memories last longer. Integrated, Multi-Cohort Analysis Identifies Conserved Transcriptional Signatures across Multiple Respiratory Viruses – Researchers performed two integrated, multi-cohort analyses of publicly available transcriptional data of viral infections. Human Parasites in the Roman World – This article presents the archeological evidence for parasites in the Roman era in order to demonstrate the species present at that time, and highlight the health consequences for people living under Roman rule. Key Elements of Healthy Eating Patterns – This article provides guidelines and key recommendations for individuals to enhance eating and physical activity patterns. 9 Science-Backed Steps to Have the Best Sleep of Your Life – Tonight – This article shares nine simple, science-backed strategies you can do today that’ll increase your odds of sleeping better tonight and waking up refreshed tomorrow. StemCells (STEM) Names New CEO – StemCells Inc. announced that Dr. Ian Massey, its President and Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed by the Board of Directors to succeed Martin McGlynn as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. A Protein Biomarker Confirms the Presence of Stem Cells that Maintain Ovaries – Stem cell activity in the outer lining of the ovary, now identified in mice by A*STAR researchers, will elucidate normal ovarian activity and offer insights into the origins of disease. Defined Three-Dimensional Microenvironments Boost Induction of Pluripotency – Researchers find that the physical cell confinement imposed by the 3D microenvironment boosts reprogramming through an accelerated mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and increased epigenetic remodeling. Engineered Stem Cells May Help in ALS – Stem cells engineered to secrete neurotrophic growth factors may slow progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Slow Stem Cell Division May Cause Small Brains – Duke University researchers have figured out how a developmental disease called microcephaly produces a much smaller brain than normal: some cells are simply too slow as they proceed through the neuron production process. Genetically Engineering Self-Organization of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into a Liver Bud-Like Tissue Using Gata6 – Scientists present a novel approach for generating and then co-differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived progenitors through a genetically engineered pulse of GATA-binding protein 6 (GATA6) expression. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Aubrey de Grey Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: We feature some of our conversations with attendees from the 2015 World Stem Cell Summit from Atlanta, GA. Happy New Year! Resources and Links 4 New Elements Are Added to the Periodic Table – This article reports that the elements with atomic numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118 will get permanent names soon, according to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, with two of the four elements now known as ununseptium and ununtrium. New Type of Moon Rock Discovered by China’s Yutu Lunar Rover – China’s Yutu lunar rover made the discovery on a long-dead lava flow in the giant Mare Imbrium dark spot and found the volcanic rock known as basalt which has intermediate levels of titanium. CMV Vaccine Created at City of Hope Is Found Safe, Effective in Patients Receiving Stem Cell Transplants – City of Hope researchers report that an innovative vaccine known as CMVPepVax, that boosts cellular immunity against cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is safe and effective in stem cell transplant recipients. Melting Sea Ice Increases Arctic Precipitation, Complicates Climate Predictions – This article reports that the melting of sea ice will significantly increase Arctic precipitation, creating a climate feedback comparable to doubling global carbon dioxide, according to the findings of Dartmouth College-led study. Eating Poorly and Depressed? Yale Team Finds Connection — And Maybe a Solution – Yale researchers report that effects of a high-fat diet overlap with those of chronic stress and could also be a contributing factor in depression as well as metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes. MERS Vaccine Protects Camels, Which Is Good for People – The vaccine, which was developed by German scientists, protects against the virus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and has been shown to be effective in camels. Asperger’s and Autism Linked to Decreased Action of Neurotransmitter GABA: Study – A new study from Harvard and MIT links autism symptoms to reduced action of GABA, a neurotransmitter responsible for dampening cellular activity in the brain. Is Extreme Longevity Genetic? Scientists Find Centenarians Lack Genes Underlying Certain Chronic Diseases – A group of U.S. and international researchers cited genetic studies have thus far identified a single gene, APOE, absent in centenarians, or the people who are one hundred or more years old. Stem Cells May Save Northern White Rhinos – This article reveals how researchers plan to use stem cells to create fertilized rhino embryos, which will be carried by surrogate southern white rhino females. Banking on Stem Cells at Cellular Dynamics International – Cellular Dynamics International is still one of the prominent companies at Unviersity Reasearch Park since it was purchased by Fujifilm, and plans to add staff in 2016. Human-Mouse Chimerism Validates Human Stem Cell Pluripotency – Researchers show, using a stage-matching approach, that human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells have the capacity to participate in normal mouse development when transplanted into gastrula-stage embryos, providing in vivo functional validation of hiPSC pluripotency. Grafted Human iPS Cell-Derived Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells Contribute to Robust Remyelination of Demyelinated Axons after Spinal Cord Injury – This article describes how researchers took advantage of their recently developed protocol to obtain human-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived oligodendrocyte precursor cell-enriched neural stem/progenitor cells and report the benefits of transplanting these cells in a spinal cord injury model. Identification of Drugs that Regulate Dermal Stem Cells and Enhance Skin Repair – Researchers identified and validated five compounds that has the ability to enhance the self-renewal of human and rodent skin-derived precursors, and showed that two of them, alprostadil and trimebutine maleate, enhanced the repair of full thickness skin wounds in middle-aged mice. 3D Chromosome Regulatory Landscape of Human Pluripotent Cells – This article reveals that 3D regulatory maps of human pluripotent cells provide a foundation for future interrogation of the relationships between chromosome structure and gene control in development and disease. Generation of Serotonin Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells – Researchers demonstrate efficient differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to cells resembling central serotonin neurons, primarily those located in the rhombomeric segments 2-3 of the rostral raphe, which participate in high-order brain functions through manipulation of the WNT pathway. Photo Reference: Courtesy of World Stem Cell Summit Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Scott Dylla, co-founder and CSO of StemCentrx, shares his journey from academia to biotech, motivated by his grandmother's battle with leukemia. He discusses the innovative approach of targeting cancer stem cells using antibody-drug conjugates, highlighting the discovery of DLL3 in small cell lung cancer. Dylla also contrasts the dynamics of research in industry versus academia, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in biotech innovation. With a focus on curing cancer, he outlines StemCentrx's mission and therapeutic advancements.

Dr. Tilo Kunath, a group leader at the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, discusses his groundbreaking research on clinical-grade stem cells and their application in patient therapies. He explains the critical distinction between clinical-grade and research-grade cells and shares insights on the Gene Modification Protocol for producing compliant lines. Tilo also touches on the implications of genomic variation and emphasizes the importance of safety testing. Plus, don’t miss his amusing anecdote about SEM images that sparked laughter!

Dr. Lior Gepstein, a clinician-scientist at Technion, dives into the fascinating realm of stem cell research focused on heart disease. He explains how human-induced pluripotent stem cells can be transformed into cardiomyocytes, crucial for understanding arrhythmias like long QT syndrome. Gepstein highlights the innovative use of genetically encoded fluorescent reporters to monitor heart cell function and the potential for personalized drug screening. His insights into regenerative therapy and biological pacemakers showcase a promising future for treating cardiac conditions.

Duane Fernandez, a creative force as a writer, director, and photographer, dives into the essence of curiosity and its transformative power. He shares his insights on how curiosity fuels innovation and enhances teamwork, emphasizing the importance of human relationships over mere tools. Duane also discusses overcoming cultural resistance in teams and expresses surprise at the advancements in the STEM field. His unique experiences, including a chaotic Slipknot concert shoot, add a dash of humor and humanity to the conversation.

Dr. Steven Goldman, a distinguished neuroscience professor at the University of Rochester, discusses the intriguing world of glial cells and their essential roles in the brain. He delves into using neural stem cells to model diseases and offers promising insights on treating conditions like multiple sclerosis. Goldman highlights the clinical potential of glial progenitors, explaining how they can effectively remyelinate damaged nerves. With a sprinkle of humor about his experience with canaries in the ICU, this conversation is both informative and entertaining.

Dr. David Mooney, Pincus Family Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard, explores how biomaterials like hydrogels can enhance stem cell integration post-transplant. He discusses engineering materials to guide stem cell behavior and how hydrogels can protect and enhance cell survival. The conversation dives into the mechanics of these materials, including alginate's gentle encapsulation and their future role in clinical applications. Mooney shares his journey from chemical to tissue engineering, highlighting innovation in stem cell therapies.

Dr. Andrew Cohen, an engineer and associate professor at Drexel University, dives into the fascinating world of stem cell lineage tracing using innovative software. He explains how time-lapse imaging reveals complex cellular behaviors and their eventual fates. Andrew also discusses the significance of tracking stem cell divisions, the differences between various types of neural stem cells, and how his tools like LEVER and CloneView aid in this research. Plus, he shares some light-hearted anecdotes from his career, making the science both enlightening and entertaining!

Dr. Scott Noggle is the Vice President for Stem Cell Research at the New York Stem Cell Foundation, pioneering automated systems for generating iPS cells. He shares insights on his work creating human models for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The conversation dives into the significance of automation in stem cell research, enhancing reproducibility and scaling. Scott also discusses his research goals, collaborations, and the future impact of stem cell innovations in clinical trials and personalized medicine.